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Reports from our Brussels correspondent
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Eric the Viking Date: 11 May 02 - 03:28 PM Wicked photies. Was it ONLY a week ago? This time last Saturday. Great times. |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Big Mick Date: 10 May 02 - 09:26 AM ASOLUTELY FABULOUS PHOTO'S!!!!!! I continue to be as envious as it is possible to be. One of the best parts of these gatherings is the sense of friendship and fellowship that emerges. It is crystal clear from these photo's that the most important by-product of the Mudcat Cafe experience was furthered at the this gathering. The worldwide network of friends, connected by the love of music, continues to grow and bloom. I love the faces and I love the joy that I see in the music making. I can't wait to meet you all. All the very best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Linda Kelly Date: 09 May 02 - 06:40 PM Letty ,no problem with Lyrics babe, just PM me with your address and I'll send you some with a tape. |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Llanfair Date: 09 May 02 - 12:15 PM I'm home!!!! 7.5 hours door to door, 7 of them on trains!!! I have had a wonderful time in Belgium, and I am exhausted!! More tomorrow. "We'll kiss away each hour of Hiraeth when you come home again to Wales" Cheers, Bron. |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: mooman Date: 09 May 02 - 08:00 AM Dear Friends, Here is an extra big blue clicky to Noreen's Noreen's Brussels EuroGathering 2002 photosite A big thank you and hug to Noreen for putting my piccies up so quickly. We will get them transferred also to the Mudcat event photos in due course. All the best mooman |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Da Doo Ron Ron Date: 09 May 02 - 07:54 AM Nothing more to add. Great weekend and so well organised (even for a 50 year old !) wekk done Richard and Pat. Yes as you see I have signed up as a mudcatter ! And yes, Glen and I will hopefully be in Holland next year; and yes I promise to sing you a couple of songs (or is that a threat ?) The ambience was so similar to barbershop conventions or festivals and the standard of musicianship was unbelievable. I really had a wonderful time and thanks for the kind words. So, tot later, tot ziens en tot volgende jaar, Lettie. da doo ron ron
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: GUEST,Letty (no cookie) Date: 09 May 02 - 07:47 AM Nice pics, Noreen. I've asked my brother and he and his herd of moose don't mind letting us use his house (used to be mine) for next year's meeting in Groningen. So, instead of Mooland, we'll go to Mooseland (there's really a lot of moose there). It's official now! I find myself making lots of plans already. Susanne, you're on the list, don't worry! No ferry to miss coming from Kiel, so no excuses :-) BTW, the lovely low whistle Mooman gave me (many thanks) is driving my dog Kerry nuts for some reason... She starts barking like mad every time I play it (is it my playing?) and wants to nick it from the table (does she think it's a bone?), so I keep it safe on the bookshelf. Linda, would you mind posting some of your lyrics for us? I enjoyed them so much! Love, Letty |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: mooman Date: 09 May 02 - 05:11 AM Thanks for your comments Susanne! You were sorely missed by all and we look forward to seeing you again next year. All the very best mooman |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Susanne (skw) Date: 08 May 02 - 09:09 PM Many thanks for the photos, Noreen, and for your comments, Richard! They make me realise what I've missed, but I'm glad everything went so well for all of you. You all look as though you're thoroughly enjoying yourselves. Maybe I shouldn't have decided I'd do a song this time round ... Count me in next year, Letty! |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: mooman Date: 08 May 02 - 06:10 PM Great job Noreen! Thanks for posting these up so quickly! Moo |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: GUEST Date: 08 May 02 - 04:42 PM Most importantly, who is friday7.jpg??? Folk Babe or what!?! |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 08 May 02 - 04:36 PM Uncomsumed beer? I knew I should have gone.
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Llanfair Date: 08 May 02 - 04:16 PM Great pictures,Noreen. Can't wait for the captions!!!! I'm going home tomorrow morning. Cheers, Bron. |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Noreen Date: 08 May 02 - 03:21 PM Yes, that's another job I have lined up- but I thought you'd like to have the photos to look at in the meantime! |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: GUEST Date: 08 May 02 - 02:36 PM Many thanks Noreen. Any chance of some captions so that we know who's who?
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Noreen Date: 08 May 02 - 02:11 PM Ah; try this direct link instead |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Noreen Date: 08 May 02 - 02:04 PM Some of Lord Moo's pictures are up on my Yahoo siteBrussels EuroGathering 2002 (click here) Just Friday night's music, food and jollity at the Skievelat (tr. crooked fellow?) so far, but more later. Noreen |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: alanww Date: 08 May 02 - 06:20 AM To summaruse it all - just wonderful! We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day ... |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: MudGuard Date: 08 May 02 - 05:43 AM Seems like you enjoyed the weekend as much as I did. Sorry about the unconsumed beer - I am not much into beer myself but I was doing as much as I could on your tea supplies... (Thanks Patricia for keeping up an endless stream of that!) One thing I forgot to mention: thanks for designing the T-Shirts! Andy/Andreas/MudGuard |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: mooman Date: 08 May 02 - 05:24 AM Dear Friends, I think it is probably fitting that I add our own appreciations to those already expressed above. I must start with a confession, Hosting this event was really my own selfish 50th birthday present to myself. I didn't particularly want anything material but rather the company of true friends. I must say that I was more than amply rewarded and for this my heartfelt thanks to everybody. But you will not get away so easily from being embarassed individually yourselves! Susanne (skw): I must start with you even though you couldn't be there. As Wolfgang correctly pointed out it was your idea in the first place to arrange the first Mudcat "Eurogathering". We were devasted when you rang to say you missed your ferry and you were very sorely missed. Wolfgang: You set a very high standard when you hosted the first EuroGathering in Muenster last year (my has time flown THAT quickly?) that was hard to match. Thank you for being the first one to "take the plunge" and for your company this year. Well done for finding the local "Good Samaritan" on the Friday night when you arrived! Letty: For your sweet singing and playing and for allowing those Skipjack and Viking fellows to cajole you into arranging next year's gathering in Groeningen. And for sleeping in the Teletubbies bed. They were very grateful! Bill\Sables, Eric the Viking and Skipjack K8: For being three of the best lads and friends that walked the face of this earth and for your wonderful music and song. The floor of St Andrew's Church Hall: For being kind enough (through no doubt divine intervention) to cause only non-fatal injuries to The Viking's guitar. St Andrew's Church: For allowing us to use their excellent crypt. I'll be in touch! Fossil and Fingers: For your help in arranging the Saturday night, smoothing the arrangements and for ferrying people about, not to mention the music! Noreen: For being a wonderful guest and friend and for your beautiful singing and playing. Llanfair: For being a lovely person and singer, for coming such a long way and introducing us to the equally wonderful new 'Catter Boo! Matthew Edwards: For being the perfect gentleman the whole weekend and a good new friend. And for the smashing book which I will enjoy greatly! alanww: For your wonderful singing and presence in our house and for introducing me to a whole new repertoire. And for the bottles of Bushmills! There was no need but they WILL be appreciated I can assure you. AND for the supplies of Tullamore Dew! An Pluimeir Ceolmhar: For doing the plumbing in such an excellent manner (highly appreciated by everyone) and for supporting us with together with the lovely Joelle on Friday and Saturday. Linda Kelly: For being the most hilarious person I have ever met! And for your beautiful songwriting and singing which I will never forget. Any world-famous names out there in need of wonderful material should contact this lovely lady and make her rich...she deserves it! The gross of incontinence pads have arrived today but you already had we pissing my pants only two minutes into my birthday ("You can fly"...."I CAN'T"..."Yes you can"..."NO I CAN'T"! (This will have to be explained to the terminally bewildered in a separate thread I think). And for the book! Laekenmuse: Who joined us for the Saturday and instantly became a newly initiated 'Catter. Thanks for your music and songs and for lending the spare SM57s and 58s and stands! Ken Gilman: From coming left of field out of nowhere and for being there most of the weekend, for supporting my feeble efforts with your wonderful playing and singing. We will be in touch soon! And for bringing your friends including the Cajun dancers and their children! The Children: For showing the adults how to dance, for singing beautifully without nerves of any sort and for being beautifully behaved! Quasi (Alan): For supporting us on the Saturday. For telling porkie pies about "not knowing anything or being able to play properly" and then turning up on the Sunday night when we were all getting the worse for wear from the imbibition of too much Belgian beer and injecting a dose of adrenalin into the proceedings with your astonishing virtuoso guitar playing. Wim: For wonderful fiddle playing and for further inspiring Greg (Skipjack) on the fiddle. Letty's Egg: For a brief but highly appreciated appearance! Ron and Glen: For being such a marvellous help the whole weekend, for putting people up, for helping with the shopping and the food and bar, for ferrying people to Waterloo, for being such marvellous participants and all round good eggs (separate eggs to Letty's Egg). Da Capo (the thing I always forget!)(Ron's multinational English/Canadian/American/Japanese barbershop quartet): You stunned us all on the Saturday night and people are still talking about it! Lady McMoo: For allowing me the indulgence of having this motley bunch come to Brussels, for all the food, for allowing me to celebrate my 51st on the same night as my 50th (ask Linda!) and for being Boitsfort's finest blues singer "Blind Mama McMoo". You are my constant support and inspiration. Catspaw, MMario, Mickus Maximus and other Stateside friends for your constant interest and support. Photos are currently being processed by Noreen and will be put up very soon! We look forward with great anticipation to seeing you in Groeningen Mickus Maximus! I will warn Letty to try and seek out the largest available facilitites for you and the below mentioned giant! And last (like Friday) but not least! Mudguard (Andreas): For coming such a long way, for "coming out" on the whistle (we want to hear more in Groeningen!), for putting up with my and Eric's constant ribbing about your size with such good grace (yes I KNOW now your only 6 foot 4 and three quarter inches tall...imperial measurements for the benefit of our Stateside friends!), for not actually killing Pascal on Friday and for being a great bloke. My apologies if I forgot to embarass somebody specifically! My brain is still trying to get over the effects of the Belgian beer! If I forgot you it was not on purpose and your contribution was equally valuable. Once again, thanks to everybody for making this such a memorable and enjoyable weekend. Love to all, mooman P.S. WYSIWYG...you were absolutely right. These s*** o* b****** left me with several crates of unconsumed beer! I will now have to drink this myself. I agree, Mudcat Gatherings really suck bigtime!
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Noreen Date: 07 May 02 - 06:57 PM Now that would be some gathering, Mick. Make it happen!Photies have been cropped and edited by Lord Moo, and are winging their way to me now that I'm home (I hope) (I hope they're winging their way to me, that is... I know I'm home) and I'll put them up on my Yahoo site for all to see. Must go to bed now... *yawn* Noreenzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzz zzz z |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Susanne (skw) Date: 07 May 02 - 06:23 PM Richard - a very belated happy birthday to you! You certainly seem to have celebrated in style. I've just now had time to wade through this rich thread, and I'm very very very sore I missed the whole do! That'll teach me to check my tickets sooner in the future!!! Anyway, I trust it won't have been the last European Mudgathering, and also next year I'll try and stop off in Yorkshire for some music and conversation en route to Scotland! |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Eric the Viking Date: 07 May 02 - 06:05 PM Oi Mick-you're not putting your tongue into my cheek until we've been introduced! You'll be made as welcome as Bill tells me he's been made on several occasions, be great to meet you all. As for the 30 minutes sleep,sorry I was trying to be encouraging! Just hope you don't end up kipping in with Skipjack. If you can hang with Micca-enough said!! (Only joking Micca) Better be careful some stupid "guest" will think of something pathetic to say-watch this space. Cheers Eric |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Big Mick Date: 07 May 02 - 05:25 PM And just in case someone doesn't get it, my post was completely tongue in cheek....................completely, that is, with the exception of the part about trying to make it happen. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: GUEST,Paul Date: 07 May 02 - 05:03 PM I know that none of you have had any sleep, but some photos would be really appreciated! Paul |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: RichM Date: 07 May 02 - 05:00 PM What a wonderful get together you all had! It reminds of the times many years ago, when I would travel 300miles/500kilometres for a full weekend of fun with musical buddies. Don't feel sorry for me though---I still do the same thing, but closer to home! The joy of making music is a wonderful high--it's as intoxicating as any drug... Again, congratulations on your wonderful get together. Rich McCarthy |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Big Mick Date: 07 May 02 - 04:15 PM Eric...............lad..............please.............clearly you haven't been around long enough to have researched the subject that you so inadequately attempt to espouse on................Our firm has perfected the art of laying about.............we have been known to do it on very little sleep. Be advised that I will be checking with my partners to see if this can be arranged, what with our schedules and all. Putting up with Brits, Germans, Belgians, Dutch, etc is what I live for. Hell, I have even caroused with the occasional Scotsman. In fact, I have caroused with Kendall, Liam's Brother, Mario, Sables, Dani, Catspaw, Fielding, Marum, Alan, Tinker, Micca..............in fact, now that I mentioned Micca I can stop. You know full well that I can hang with anyone..........hahahaha. The beer thing...........no prob..........trust me. Milk in coffee?????????????????? What part of the heathen world do they do that in??????????? That damn Bill Sables already introduced me to the wonders of Yorkshire tea and my world will never be the same. As you may or may not know, my associates in this part of the world are comprised of a great many Irish immigrants with a rebel bent, and a great many Irish Americans who fancy themselves to be Irish rebels. So I have had to take to sipping my Yorkshire tea undercover in order that I am not termed a collaborator by these wild eyed rebels, most of whom wouldn't know an armalite from a Blackthorn walking stick. And why 30 minutes sleep? You don't have to go easy on us just because we are first timers. Waddya say Rick, Dave and Pat? Shall we try to do this? We have a year to put it together? Mick |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Eric the Viking Date: 07 May 02 - 03:35 PM Bigus dickus-oop's sorry! Bigus Mickus et al. The next Euro gathering is the following date or there abouts 3-5 of May 2003. You and Co are welcome to attend. So get booking (well at least save pennies for your airfare etc, and pencil the probable date in your diary) Remember! you'll have to put up with foreigners-sorry, you'll be the foreigners(as we are europeans-a federal state!)and the money is different. But if you fancy a crack at some Nederlands sheep, give it a try! Also you'll have to put up with Brits, Germans, Belgians, Dutch etc.Drink beer, have milk in your coffee, and endure a proper cup of English tea! So be warned-if you are men enough to go for 24hours on 30 minutes sleep etc Cheers Eric t V |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Mary in Kentucky Date: 07 May 02 - 03:05 PM I think I need to work on another picture...this time one of Biggus Mickus Maximus. hmmmmmm... maybe a logo for the firm...hmmmmmmm... |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Big Mick Date: 07 May 02 - 03:01 PM AAAHHHHEEEEEMMMMMMM!!!!............Could I have your attention, please. My name is Biggus Mickus Maximus, and I am representing the firm of Lane, Fielding, Patterson and Swan, Layabouts at Large and for hire. It has come to our attention that the lot of you have been laying about in Mooland. Please be advised that all laying about of Mudcatters is the property of our firm and will only be done by us or under the appropriate licenses obtained from us. You are in violation of the tenets of the Inner Clique, and in order to rectify the situation you must pay the appropriate fees plus late penalties. Or, as an alternative, you may host the first European Board meeting of the firm of Swan, Patterson, Fielding and Lane within the next 18 months. Should this be your desire, please contact this firm as our schedule fills up quickly. |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Linda Kelly Date: 07 May 02 - 10:11 AM Returned to Blighty exhausted but happy -what a FABULOUS weekend!!!! Even when we got up this morning to catch the flight after three hours sleep and ten times as many Belgian beers -Richard & Pat what can I say that hasn't already been said -you are incredible people. Every night has been different and every night has been sheer enjoyment. I have never laughed so much - Lady McMoo ought to be on stage!!! It was wonderful singing with Noreen and Alan again (I wish I could fly right up to the sky -but I can't!!!) and to listen to so many talented musicians. Roll on next year at Letty's!!! |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: MMario Date: 07 May 02 - 09:19 AM It really should be blamed on Annamill. She started it off, really she did! |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Matthew Edwards Date: 07 May 02 - 09:13 AM As Susan has elsewhere observed how much Mudcat Gatherings suck, I can duly confirm that the Brussels Euro-Gathering has lived up to the abysmal standards which have been set. Richard and Pat have been held captive in their Mooland home for almost five days, by a disparate/desparate bunch of friendly people from all over Europe, who forced them not merely to listen to amazing songs and tunes - but made them join in as well! Lady McMoo was forced to feed this horde of hairy hooleygans on Polish stew and fish chowder - but did that satisfy them? they demanded more and more. They proceeded to consume vast quantities of Belgian beers, and this only fulled them to carry on singing and playing long into the nights, and telling terrible stories and jokes until the Moos were utterly helpless. Max must be held accountable for this terrible plot to bring utter strangers together, and spreading harmony and friendship through a shared love of music. If this sort of thing carries on where on earth will it lead to? |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: GUEST,An Pluiméir Ceolmhar Date: 07 May 02 - 06:29 AM Particularly loved your singing, Letty (which is not meant as a backhanded insult to your fiddle playing), and Groningen sounds like an interesting proposition and a chance to hear more of it. Apologies to yourself and to all the others to whom I would have liked to talk more, but the music "kind of got in the way", and I spent the less wet bits of the weekend catching up on arrears of gardening. Also apologies to Lord and Lady McMoo for our cutting out before the end of proceedings on Saturday night. We didn't get to bid farewell to Govan or plough the rocks of bawn together this time, but how about doing them next week in the James Joyce? And did you get those couques au beurre in bed this morning, Mooman? Happy birthday, the next half-century has lots of promise.
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Skipjack K8 Date: 07 May 02 - 06:04 AM Will's Way, Letty. Didn't get to play Shamrock Shore with you, despite it being my first fiddle tune. Skipjack |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Letty Date: 07 May 02 - 05:15 AM Hi there! Back safely, and at work again. I've started practicing some tunes from the meeting. What's the chum-chum one called again, Skipjack? Richard, Pat, Glen and Ron: thank you so much for your hospitality! It was a brilliant weekend. Wish I had weekends like this more often, it really cheered me up. See you all next year in Groningen (better start saving, I don't have much room for people to sleep over, being a student). Lots of interesting things to see and do there, even though it's a fairly small place. Love, Letty |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Abuwood Date: 07 May 02 - 04:20 AM We missed you in Upton, drastically - but am glad you had a good time. Love Al |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Skipjack K8 Date: 07 May 02 - 04:18 AM Bugger, the itinerant Norwegian got here first. Worramigonnasay? Hmmm. My happiest moment of the weekend was barking out 'Sonny's Dream' in my tuneless howl, but being supported by the siren harmonies of Noreen and Linda, bassed out by Matthew and Alan. Made me feel like a proper musician. Pure magic, for me, anyway. Biggest regret is not jawing with Wolfgang more. He is one helluva guy, and set the standard, the ideal, and now the tradition of the Eurogathering, and it is his mantle that is being passed on. Secong biggest regret was running so far, into Germany, probably, as I am aching fit to burst. However, the 173,420 calories of the lurvliest life-shortening grub imaginable has more than balanced expenditure. Thank you, Pat. Please come here in May for a very poor second leg, that we tuna are already losing heavily on aggregate. Richard, I feel very proud that Belgians think all Britons are like you. Wish we were. Long will I remember lingerie shopping with you and the boys! Glen, thank you for the trip to the battlefield. I will admit to sprinting to the top of the monument to get the lacrymose response out of the way before my mates scaled it. The spirit of place where 49,000 lost their lives is indelible on the landscape. I'd also like to thank my beautiful Guerrini accordian for saving up its best tunes, and singing so harmoniously with the gathered voices and instruments. I just added wind. The most different and unexpected treat of the Saturday evening concert was Do "Do Ron Ron" Ron's superb barbershop quartet. Incredible stage presence, and only half strength in usual numbers. Spellbinding. Apologies go to Letty, for bouncing her into next year's Eurobash. You need to get back to Holland, gel! Thanks for tying labels on me and Eric, so we wouldn't get lost in Brussels. Finally, thanks for the companionship of my fellow travellers, Bill Sables, Managing Director Mudcat Europe, and Eric the Viking, Cultural Attache to the Welsh Leisure Ministry. I enjoyed our post mortem, and the cunning plans ............... Skipjack |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Llanfair Date: 07 May 02 - 04:11 AM I am sorry that I haven't had time to talk to everyone whilst in Brussels, Marje has been making sure that I miss NOTHING!!! It's the art galleries this afternoon,and I'm sneaking off to give the flea market a going over, whilst Marj does a morning's work. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHARD, and huge thanks to you and Pat for organising this, and for the welcome we have received. The trouble is that I know my way here now, and with my concessionary ticket on the railway, it looks like I will be a regular visitor in future!!!!! Cheers, Bron. |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Wolfgang Date: 07 May 02 - 03:44 AM Soon the fog of forgetting will cover how it all started and nobody will care while having a good time, but as long as one or two still remember let us write it down: It was Susanne who started it when she asked if we should try to make a German Mudcat gathering. We soon realised that Muenster was a much better chance than Kiel (close to Denmark) at least to get Andy (close to Italy) to join. Little we did think that Muenster was so attractive (and close) that people even from the offshore islands of Europe joined. Wolfgang |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Big Mick Date: 06 May 02 - 10:33 PM Wonderful narratives!!! I am so happy for you all. These gatherings are magical, and I can't wait until I get to meet all these folks from the other side of the pond that I have grown very fond of. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: GUEST,alanww Date: 06 May 02 - 10:01 PM Brussels, Tuesday 4.00hrs Just finished the finishing songs with the last survivors: Linda Kelly, Matthew Edwards, Noreen and myself, as well as our wonderfully hospitable hosts mooman and Lady McMoo, of course. We had the joy of singing Happy Birthday to You to Richard (mooman)just after 0.00hrs this morning to celebrate his BIG birthday! It was a wonderful evening with friends brought together through the hard work and ongoing commitment of Max et al, who set up and run the Mudcat Cafe. Isn't it amazing - what superb people one can meet, all of whom share the love of music and song. Several finishing songs were sung to see us on our way: The Parting Glass (two seperate versions), Wild Mountain Thyme, Lowlands Away, Health to the Company, Here's to You, Farewell Shanty and at least two or three others I cannot recall at present (having drunk more than several Belgian beers and had some Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey to finish me off!). The final song was a poinant rendition of Bheir Me O by Noreen - it was magic and there were tears in my eyes! Like the others who have attended the weekend at various times, I cannot say enough to say how smashing Richard and Pat have been, merely that they have been fabulously hospitable! THANKS TO YOU BOTH! It is time to go now, hawl away the anchor ... |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: GUEST,Noreen Date: 06 May 02 - 09:14 PM Brussels, Tuesday 03.10 hrs Still only half way through our repertoire of finishing songs- this could be a long night.... *sigh*... these gatherings really suck! No sleep, too much beer (wake up there in the corner) and laughing until we cry over the silliest of jokes. Just as well I'm going home tomorrow errr...later today... |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Skipjack K8 Date: 06 May 02 - 06:31 PM Bugger, the itinerant Norwegian got here first. Worramigonnasay? Hmmm. My happiest moment of the weekend was barking out 'Sonny's Dream' in my tuneless howl, but being supported by the siren harmonies of Noreen and Linda, bassed out by Matthew and Alan. Made me feel like a proper musician. Pure magic, for me, anyway. Biggest regret is not jawing with Wolfgang more. He is one helluva guy, and set the standard, the ideal, and now the tradition of the Eurogathering, and it is his mantle that is being passed on. Secong biggest regret was running so far, into Germany, probably, as I am aching fit to burst. However, the 173,420 calories of the lurvliest life-shortening grub imaginable has more than balanced expenditure. Thank you, Pat. Please come here in May for a very poor second leg, that we tuna are already losing heavily on aggregate. Richard, I feel very proud that Belgians think all Britons are like you. Wish we were. Long will I remember lingerie shopping with you and the boys! Glen, thank you for the trip to the battlefield. I will admit to sprinting to the top of the monument to get the lacrymose response out of the way before my mates scaled it. The spirit of place where 49,000 lost their lives is indelible on the landscape. I'd also like to thank my beautiful Guerrini accordian for saving up its best tunes, and singing so harmoniously with the gathered voices and instruments. I just added wind. The most different and unexpected treat of the Saturday evening concert was Do "Do Ron Ron" Ron's superb barbershop quartet. Incredible stage presence, and only half strength in usual numbers. Spellbinding. Apologies go to Letty, for bouncing her into next year's Eurobash. You need to get back to Holland, gel! Thanks for tying labels on me and Eric, so we wouldn't get lost in Brussels. Finally, thanks for the companionship of my fellow travellers, Bill Sables, Managing Director Mudcat Europe, and Eric the Viking, Cultural Attache to the Welsh Leisure Ministry. I enjoyed our post mortem, and the cunning plans ............... Skipjack |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Eric the Viking Date: 06 May 02 - 04:15 PM Oh and i almost forgot-but with so many things to say and remember Wolfgang, great to see you again, and for starting off this whole european meeting business last year-thanks again To Andy, good to see you also, hope your back gets better(Don't blame me-maybe skipjack? And next year DON'T forget the biscuit tin. Cheers Eric |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Eric the Viking Date: 06 May 02 - 03:47 PM I say this without any reservation, and apologies if it causes any blushing, but Richard and Pat, you are some of the kindest,warm hearted and generous of people I have ever met. It has been a privalege to be your guest for the weekend. I personally can't thank you both enough for the excellent time I've had. Thankyou both. A shameless plug; Lee Collinson is a wonderful guitarist and singer of songs-he has a CD called "Slip the driver a fiver". If you ever get the chance, buy it, listen to it.Go to see him-you won't be disapointed.(He's a friend of Richard and Pats) Time to reflect(should be planning for school tomorrow!!) But bollix to it for a while. Lastly, to Bill, my smoking companion, for his excellent company, talent and the ability to give such energy and drive to the music. :-) Oh, I nearly forgot-my lovely friend (hairy backed) Skipjack-who can't remember!! And sorry we didn't get the fishing line-but next time!!!! I know a fishing tackle shop in Gronnigen!!However the bikini is a definate possibility!!! Hairy side in of course!! People out there-it is impossible to tell you all that you missed, and how much fun we had. Max-you can only wonder at this thing you started and the knock on effect it has had. Oh well |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: bill\sables Date: 06 May 02 - 02:39 PM We got home OK. Eric managed to smuggle the guitar into the cabin again. Thanks again Richard and Pat for a great weekend and look foreward to seeing you both again in two weeks for the Yorkshire Gathering. Cheers Bill |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: GUEST,Noreen Date: 06 May 02 - 01:56 PM Llanfair and friend Margery (now newly-initiated mudcatter Boo!) have left Mooland after a lovely visit here this afternoon. We reminisced about the first Gathering at Llanstock, where I first met Bron (Lanfair). It seemed so odd at that time that we were arranging to meet up with strangers from all over the country, whose only connection was text exchanged on a website originating with some chap in America... while now it doesn't seem strange at all that I am sitting in the living room of the mcmoo's lovely house in Brussels, making tea for other Mudcatters while our host and hostess are out...! Really wonderful afternoon/evening yesterday: Mooland was filled with a variety of Mudcatters, neighbours and friends; making music, singing, swapping stories and tunes, eating and drinking from about 5 pm until at least 2.30 am (what time did you get rid of the last reveller, Richard???!) Linda and Matthew have just arrived, so it looks like another good night in store, fuelled tonight by the Lady Mcmoo's fish soup. Thanks to the early departees for letting us know of your safe return. Wish you could all have stayed the week! Noreen |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: MudGuard Date: 06 May 02 - 12:36 PM Bron - yes, yesterday I had some big problem with my back, my damaged slip-disk had decided to give me trouble! Ok, as promised, a bit more information about my flight back home: after lovely Glen delivered me to the airport, I immediately found a trolley, so I did not have to carry my bag to the check-in counter (which greatly helped my back). Then came a little shock: the man at the checkin said I was not booked on that plane (but I had the ticket to prove it). He was able to sort it out and find me a place on the plane - quite easy, there were only two other passengers... When boarding, the 4 stewardesses asked the 3 of us, if we'd like to stay in the first-class part of the plane - we did not complain. It was a great experience - such a lot of space for my legs... And it was great for my back as well - the seats are much more comfortable. Almost lying on my back plus the vibrations due to some turbulence seemed to work together to sort out the bones and slipdisk. After arrival in Munich I had no more problem with the back. Ok, so much about me. Thanks, Richard and Patricia for organising this great weekend. Thanks everyone who helped! Thanks everyone for the beautiful music (instrumental and singing)! Thanks for giving me some more motivation to keep on torturing my neighbours with my whistling! Thanks thanks thanks ... Looking forward to the next meeting! |
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Subject: RE: Reports from our Brussels correspondent From: Fossil Date: 06 May 02 - 12:11 PM Congrats to the Moos 1) for finding a great restaurant on Friday night. I'll go there again. 2) for looking after so many people, for so long, with such fun. 3) for some really great singing and playing. 4) for introducing me to a whole lot of really nice people (not a troll to kick anywhere - oh sorry that's the Manchester thread...) And thanks to all the Mudcatters who came to Brussels, it was really special. We'll definitely plan to go to Groningen next year (a really nice, pretty town, BTW, well worth a visit and quite easy to get to). Pity about EtV's guitar, though - it wasn't a happy bunny after being dropped. Hope he can get it fixed soon. Moo & Mrs McM - Fingers and I would like to see you soon. Give me a call and we'll fix something. |
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